On 20 November 2025, the Ambassador of Spain to Kenya, His Excellency Jaime Alejandro Moreno, presided over the official closing ceremony of Exercise Usalama Baharini 2 on board Spanish Navy Frigate, ESPS VICTORIA secured alongside Mbaraki Wharf in Mombasa County.
The event marked the conclusion of a four-day multiagency maritime security exercise, which commenced on Monday, 17 November 2025. The exercise brought together key maritime security stakeholders and was conducted under the framework of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA.
Its objective was to enhance interoperability, strengthen operational readiness and bolster joint capabilities in addressing emerging maritime threats within the Western Indian Ocean, a region critical for global trade and maritime stability.
In his remarks, the Ambassador appreciated the continued cooperation between Kenya and the European Union. He acknowledged the unwavering support and professionalism of the Kenya Navy throughout the planning, coordination and execution of the exercise. He commended participating personnel for their dedication and encouraged continued engagements to reinforce maritime security collaboration within the Indian Ocean.
Colonel Bernard Kumba of KDF represented the Commander Kenya Navy Fleet during the closing ceremony. He emphasized the longstanding maritime security partnership between Kenya and the European Union. He noted that this cooperation has evolved into one of the most important defence and maritime relationship for the Western Indian Ocean region. He further appreciated all the maritime agencies that participated in the exercise.
Commodore Joao Da Silva, Force Commander EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, acknowledged that the exercise was a demanding and ambitious operational programme. He praised the shared commitment to maritime security across the Western Indian Ocean, describing the exercise as a demonstration of operational excellence, cooperation and joint mission capability.
One of the highlights of the exercise was a Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) drill simulating a piracy incident at sea. A joint multi-agency team, working alongside boarding teams from ESPS Victoria, successfully intercepted and processed the suspected pirate dhow, demonstrating real-time coordination, tactical proficiency and rapid-response capability.
The closing ceremony was attended by personnel from the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Services, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and other key maritime stakeholders.
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